covebysea wrote:Hello, all. I am very new to this forum. just found it last night. I am still debating myself to see if it is a good decision to apply a law school because i am not sure if I have a shot to those really good law schools. here is my background:undergraduate: dual degrees ME/CS in a premier school in Asia. graduate: CS master degree in UC. dropped out of phd program. published papers for nasa projects, invented a system.work experience: Software Engineer in big companies.

GPAs: 3.5 ( undergraduate) 3.8 ( graduate )LSAT: 170+Gender: Female

my biggest concern is my age. I am in my 30s. so I am not sure if it is wise to consider law schools. Any insights are really appreciated! I do need help to decide...

Basically, in at GULC and NU ($), $$ at midwest schools, WL at California schools. The DUI might hurt a little, but I can't imagine that it will have a huge impact on your cycle (others who know more about this can correct me if I'm wrong). Make sure to do a few things to try and optimize your cycle:

Apply AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. Basically, get all your LORs submitted by this summer, finish your PS/Why X essays/GPA and DUI addenda/extra essays by August at the latest.

ED to a higher ranked school (ONLY if you're willing to pay full price there). I would not ED to UCLA though, you have a good shot there via RD.

Get others to double and triple check your PS/resume/etc. I think people underestimate how much a bad resume or PS can screw with their cycle, ESPECIALLY if you're borderline.

Do every extra essay and interview you possibly can (so that would be Why X essays at NU/GULC/MVP/Cornell/Duke, and interviews with NU/GULC if requested/Vandy if you apply)

File your FAFSA/Need Access ASAP - in January, preferably

Email schools to request fee waivers: oftentimes you can get solicited waivers that you wouldn't have gotten via LSAC's CRS. Also don't forget to check for hidden waivers!

Basically, in at GULC and NU ($), $$ at midwest schools, WL at California schools. The DUI might hurt a little, but I can't imagine that it will have a huge impact on your cycle (others who know more about this can correct me if I'm wrong). Make sure to do a few things to try and optimize your cycle:

Apply AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. Basically, get all your LORs submitted by this summer, finish your PS/Why X essays/GPA and DUI addenda/extra essays by August at the latest.

ED to a higher ranked school (ONLY if you're willing to pay full price there). I would not ED to UCLA though, you have a good shot there via RD.

Get others to double and triple check your PS/resume/etc. I think people underestimate how much a bad resume or PS can screw with their cycle, ESPECIALLY if you're borderline.

Do every extra essay and interview you possibly can (so that would be Why X essays at NU/GULC/MVP/Cornell/Duke, and interviews with NU/GULC if requested/Vandy if you apply)

File your FAFSA/Need Access ASAP - in January, preferably

Email schools to request fee waivers: oftentimes you can get solicited waivers that you wouldn't have gotten via LSAC's CRS. Also don't forget to check for hidden waivers!

I completely understand. I had no intention to steal the thread, I asked simply because it's still active and the convenience was just too tempting!